CASUAL, BUSINESS, FORMAL OPTIONS

Have you ever stood in front of your closet, trying on outfit after outfit, only to realize half an hour has somehow disappeared?

It happens more often than I’d like to admit. Getting dressed can take real time and energy—especially on days when nothing seems to feel quite right. And every so often, I catch myself thinking how nice it would be to just wake up, reach for something nearby, and know it’s already the right choice for the day ahead.

But I’ve learned that a lot of that ease comes from understanding where you’re going and what the setting calls for. Once you know the atmosphere of your day—whether it’s casual, business casual, or formal—it becomes much easier to narrow things down.

For me, casual is what I live in most often. I think of it as relaxed, unplanned, and comfortable. It covers such a wide range of fabrics and styles—cotton, denim, flannel, jersey, even soft polyester blends. It’s the kind of dressing that doesn’t ask too much of you.

An outfit like the one I’m wearing here falls right into that category. It’s simple and cozy: a camel-colored blazer from Briggs New York layered over a black cotton shirt, paired with jeans and boots. Most of the boots I own lean casual too, though I’ve noticed some styles—especially those with a pointed toe or a heel—can easily shift into business casual territory, or even work for something more formal depending on how they’re styled.

Business casual, on the other hand, has its own rhythm. It tends to live in a softer, more structured color palette—think black, gray, navy, beige, brown, and white. My own go-to versions usually involve a pantsuit or skirt in one of those neutrals, paired with a simple blouse. Sometimes I’ll add a scarf just to bring in a bit of personality.

For shoes, I tend to stick with low heels or flats. At one point, I actually had a little collection of penny loafers with tassels and bows, and I remember how comfortable they were for long days at the office. Business casual, in my mind, really comes down to pieces like slacks or tailored pants, knee-length skirts—pencil or A-line styles—blouses or light sweaters, and layering pieces like blazers, cardigans, or jackets. It’s polished, but still wearable. Even hosiery or tights can play a role depending on the outfit. And while closed-toe shoes are most common—like loafers, pumps, oxfords, or heeled boots—some workplaces do allow open-toed options. Accessories like scarves, belts, or simple jewelry can quietly finish the look.

 Then there’s formal wear, which I don’t reach for nearly as often anymore. These days, it feels reserved for special occasions—things like ceremonies or evenings at the symphony. When I do dress up, I tend to gravitate toward a velvet dress paired with pearls. There’s something timeless and grounded about that combination.

Velvet itself has always fascinated me. It can be made from fibers like cotton, linen, mohair, or wool, and sometimes even silk—though silk versions are usually well beyond my budget. I also enjoy other dressier fabrics like lace or pieces with a beaded bodice.

And of course, formal options can go in so many directions—brocade, chiffon, satin, silk dresses, or even a tailored pantsuit for a more modern feel. There’s something beautiful about having those choices, even if they only come out once in a while.

In the end, I think dressing is really about context and feeling. Knowing where you’re going helps, but so does knowing yourself.